28-1 | Śrī Rāma Carita Mānasa Stotra

Guru-Vandana

Śrī Rāmacaritamānasa

(The Mānasa lake containing the exploits of Śrī Rāma)

Descent Seven

(Uttara-Kāṇḍa)

I unceasingly extol Śrī Rāma, the praiseworthy lord of Sītā (Janaka’s Daughter), the chief of Raghu’s line, possessed of a form greenish blue as the neck of a peacock and adorned with a print of the Brāhmaṇa’s lotus-foot - which testifies to His being the greatest of all gods - rich in splendour, clad in yellow robes, lotus-eyed, ever-propitious, holding a bow and arrow in His hands, mounted on the aerial car named Puṣpaka, accompanied by a host of monkeys and waited upon by His own brother (Lakṣmaṇa). (1)

The lotus-feet of Śrī Rāma (the Lord of Kosala), charming and delicate, are adored by Brahmā (the Unborn) and the greatest Lord Śiva and fondled by the lotus hands of Janaka’s Daughter and are the haunt of the bee-like mind of the worshipper. (2)

I glorify the All-merciful Lord Śaṅkara, possessing a comely form, white as the jasmine flower, the moon and the conch, with eyes resembling a lovely lotus, Ambikā’s (Mother Pārvatī’s) Spouse, the bestower of one’s desired fruit and the deliverer from the clutches of carnality. (3)

The term of Śrī Rāma’s exile was to expire only the next day, which made the people of the city extremely anxious. Wasted in body through separation from Śrī Rāma, men and women alike were plunged in thought everywhere. Meanwhile auspicious omens of all kinds occurred and everyone felt cheerful at heart. The city itself brightened up all round, as if to announce the Lord’s advent. Kauśalyā and the other mothers all felt inwardly happy as if someone was about to tell them that the Lord had come with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Bharata’s right eye and arm throbbed again and again. Recognizing this to be a lucky omen, he felt overjoyed at heart; but the very next moment he became thoughtful again.

The term of Śrī Rāma’s exile, which was the sole hope of his life, was going to expire only a day hence: the thought filled Bharata’s mind with untold grief. “How is it that the Lord did not turn up? Has He cast me out of His mind, knowing me to be crooked? Ah! How blessed and fortunate is Lakṣmaṇa, who is truly devoted to Śrī Rāma’s lotus-feet. The Lord knew me to be false and perverse; that is why He refused to take me along with Him. If the Lord were to consider my doings, there would be no redemption for me even after countless cycles. But the Lord never takes into account the faults of His devotees, being a friend of the humble and most tender-hearted. I have a firm conviction in my heart that Śrī Rāma will surely meet me; for the omens are so propitious. But, if I outlive the expiry of the time-limit, no one would be so despicable in this world as I.” (1 - 4)

While Bharata’s mind was thus sinking in the ocean of separation from Śrī Rāma, the son of the wind-god, disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, came like a bark to his rescue. He found Bharata seated on a mat of Kuśa grass, emaciated in body, with a coil of matted hair for a crown and the words, “Rāma, Rāma, Raghupati” on his lips, his lotus eyes streaming with tears. (1 A-B)

At this sight Hanumān was over-joyed; every hair on his body stood erect and his eyes rained copiously. He felt gratified at heart in every way and addressed Bharata in words that were as nectar to his ears: “He, in whose absence you sorrow day and night, the catalogue of whose virtues you are incessantly recounting the glory of Raghu’s line, the delight of the virtuous and the deliverer of gods and sages, has safely arrived. Having conquered His foe in battle, with the gods to hymn His praises, the Lord is now on His way with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.” The moment Bharata heard these words he forgot all his woes, like a thirsty man who has secured nectar. “Who are you, my beloved friend, and whence have you come? You have told me a most pleasing news.” “Listen, O fountain of mercy: I am the son of the wind-god, a monkey; Hanumān is my name. I am a humble servant of Śrī Rāma (the Lord of the Raghus), the befriender of the meek.” Hearing this, Bharata rose and reverently embraced him. The affection with which he embraced him was too great for his heart to contain; his eyes streamed with tears and every hair on his body stood erect. “At your very sight, O Hanumān, all my woes have disappeared. In you I have embraced today my beloved Rāma Himself.” Again and again he enquired after Śrī Rāma’s health and said, “Listen, brother; what shall I give you (in return for this happy news)? I have pondered and found that there is nothing in this world to match the news you have brought. I am thus unable to repay my debt to you. Now, pray, recount to me the doings of my lord.” Then Hanumān bowed his head at Bharata’s feet and narrated all the meritorious deeds of Śrī Rāma (the Lord of the Raghus). “Tell me, Hanumān, does my gracious lord ever remember me as one of His servants?” (1 - 8)

“Did the Jewel of Raghu’s line ever remember me as His servant?” Hanumān was thrilled with joy to hear this over-modest question of Bharata and fell at the latter’s feet, saying to himself, “How can he be otherwise than humble, the holiest of the holy and an ocean of noble virtues, whose praises Śrī Rāma (the Hero of Raghu’s line), the lord of the animate and inanimate creation, recites with His own lips?”

“To Rāma you are dear as life, my lord: take my words to be true, dear brother.” Hearing this, Bharata embraced Hanumān again and again with a joy which could not be contained in his heart. Bowing his head at Bharata’s feet, Hanumān forth with returned to Śrī Rāma and drawing close to Him told Him that all was well. The Lord then mounted His aerial car and joyfully proceeded (towards His destination). ( 2 A-B)

Bharata too returned with joy to Ayodhyā and broke all the news to his preceptor (the sage Vasiṣṭha). He then made it known inside the palace that the Lord of the Raghus was approaching Ayodhyā safe and sound. On hearing the news all the mothers started up and ran; but Bharata eased their mind by personally telling them of the Lord’s welfare. When the information reached the citizens, men and women all ran out in their joy (to meet their lord). With gold plates containing curds, Durbā grass, the sacred yellow pigment known by the name of Gorochanā, fruits and flowers and young leaves of the sacred Tulasī (basil) plant, the root of all blessings, ladies sallied forth with the stately gait of an elephant, singing as they went. All ran out just as they happened to be and did not take children or old folk with them. People asked one another: “Brother, did you see the gracious Lord of the Raghus?” Having come to know of the Lord’s advent, the city of Ayodhyā became a mine of all beauty. A delightful breeze breathed soft, cool and fragrant. The Sarayū rolled down crystal clear water. (1 - 5)

Accompanied by his preceptor (the sage Vasiṣṭha) and kinsmen, his younger brother (Śatrughna) and a host of Brāhmaṇas, with a heart overflowing with affection, Bharata joyfully set forth to receive the All-merciful. Many women, who had climbed up their attics, looked above for the aerial car in the sky. And the moment they espied it they began in their joy to sing festal songs in melodious strains. Just as the sight of the full moon brings joy to the ocean and swells it, the city of Ayodhyā too joyfully rushed with a tumultuous noise to meet the Lord of the Raghus, the women of the city moving to and fro like so many waves. (3 A - C)

At the other end Śrī Rāma, who brought delight to the solar race as the sun to the lotus, was busy showing the charming city to the monkeys. “Listen, Sugrīva (lord of the monkeys), Aṅgada and Vibhīṣaṇa (lord of Laṅkā), holy is this city and beautiful this land. Although all have extolled Vaikuṇṭha (My divine Abode), which is familiar to the Vedas and the Purāṇas and known throughout the world, it is not so dear to Me as the city of Ayodhyā: only some rare soul knows this secret. This beautiful city is My birthplace; to the north of it flows the holy Sarayū, by bathing in which men secure a home near Me without any difficulty. The dwellers here are very dear to Me; the city is not only full of bliss itself but bestows a residence in My divine Abode.” The monkeys were all delighted to hear these words of the Lord and said, “Blessed indeed is Ayodhyā, that has evoked praise from Śrī Rāma Himself!” (1 - 4)

When the All-merciful Lord saw all the people coming out to meet Him, He urged on the aerial car to halt near the city and so it came down to the ground. On alighting from the car, the Lord said to the Puṣpaka, “You now return to Kubera.” Thus enjoined by Śrī Rāma, the aerial car, departed, full of joy and deep agony at parting. (4 A-B)

Along with Bharata came all the other people, emaciated in body because of their separation from the Hero of Raghu’s line. When the Lord saw the great sages Vāmadeva, Vasiṣṭha and others, He dropped His bow and arrows on the ground and ran with His brother (Lakṣmaṇa) to clasp His preceptor’s lotus-feet with every hair on their bodies erect. Vasiṣṭha (the chief of the sages) embraced them (in return) and enquired after their welfare. Śrī Rāma replied, “It is in your grace alone that our welfare lies.” The Lord of Raghu’s race, the champion of righteousness, now met all the other Brāhmaṇas and bowed His head to them. Then Bharata clasped the Lord’s lotus-feet, which are adored by gods and sages, Śaṅkara and Brahmā not excepted. He lay prostrate on the ground and would not rise even though being lifted up, till at last the All-merciful forcibly took and pressed him to His bosom. Every hair on His swarthy form stood erect and His lotus eyes were flooded with tears. (1 - 4)

His lotus eyes streamed with tears, while bristling hair served to adorn His comely person as Lord Śrī Rāma, the sovereign of the three spheres, clasped Bharata to His bosom with utmost affection. I find no parallel by which I may illustrate the beauty of the Lord’s meeting with his younger brother: it seemed as though the Erotic sentiment and affection had met together in exquisite bodily form. The All-merciful enquired after Bharata’s welfare; but words did not readily come to his help. Listen, Śivā: (continues Lord Śiva,) the bliss (which Bharata enjoyed at the moment) was beyond one’s speech and mind; it is known only to those who feel it. “All is now well with me, since the All-merciful Lord of Kosala has blessed me with His sight, realizing the distress of His servant, and taken me by the hand just when I was sinking in the ocean of desolation. (1-2)

The Lord then gladly met Śatrughna and pressed him to His bosom. Next came the turn of Lakṣmaṇa and Bharata and the two brothers embraced each other with utmost affection. (5)

Then Lakṣmaṇa embraced Śatrughna (Bharata’s younger brother) and thus relieved each other of the terrible agony of separation. Bharata and Śatrughna bowed their head at Sītā’s feet and felt supreme delight. The citizens were transported with joy at the sight of the Lord. All the woes begotten of their separation from the Lord now ended. Seeing all the people impatient in their love to meet the Lord, the All-merciful Slayer of Khara wrought a miracle. He forthwith appeared in countless forms and in this way the gracious Lord met everybody in an appropriate manner. The Hero of Raghu’s line rid all men and women of their sorrow by casting His benign look on them. In a moment the Lord greeted them all; Umā, this was a mystery which none could comprehend.

Having thus gratified all, Śrī Rāma, who was a repository of amiability and goodness, proceeded further. Kauśalyā and the other mothers all ran out to meet Him, even as a cow that has lately calved would run at the sight of its little one. (1 - 5)

It seemed as though cows that had recently calved and had been forced to go out to the woods for grazing, leaving their little ones at home, had at the close of day rushed forth lowing towards the village with dripping teats. The Lord met all the mothers with utmost affection and spoke many a soft words to them. In this way the dire calamity that had come upon them as a result of separation from Śrī Rāma, came to an end and they derived infinite joy and gratification.

Sumitrā embraced her son (Lakṣmaṇa) remembering how devoted he was to Śrī Rāma’s feet. As for Kaikeyī, she felt very uncomfortable at heart while embracing Śrī Rāma. Lakṣmaṇa too embraced all his mothers and was delighted to receive their blessings. But even though he met Kaikeyī again and again, his bitterness of feeling towards her did not leave him. (6 A-B)

Videha’s Daughter (Sītā) greeted all Her mothers-in-law and was transported with joy as She clasped their feet. They enquired after Her welfare and blessed Her: “May your married life be happy forever.” All gazed upon the lotus face of Śrī Rāma (the Lord of the Raghus) and, remembering that it was an occasion for rejoicing, checked the tears that rose in their eyes. Burning festal lights in gold plates they waved them above Śrī Rāma’s head (in order to ward off ill effect) and again and again contemplated the Lord’s person. They scattered every kind of offering about Him, their heart full of supreme felicity and jubilation. Again and again did Kauśalyā gaze upon the Hero of Raghu’s line, who was an ocean of compassion and an irresistible warrior, each time pondering within herself: “How can he have killed the lord of Laṅkā? Too delicate of body are my two boys, while the demons were great champions of extraordinary might!” (1 - 4)

As the mother (Kauśalyā) looked upon the Lord with Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā, her soul was overwhelmed with supreme felicity and the hair on her body bristled up again and again. (7)

Vibhīṣaṇa (the king of Laṅkā), Sugrīva (the lord of the monkeys), Nala, Nīla, Jāmbavān, Aṅgada, Hanumān and the other monkey heroes, who were all of a virtuous disposition, had assumed charming human forms. With great reverence and love all applauded Bharata’s affection, amiability, austerities and discipline. When they saw the citizens mode of life, they all extolled their devotion to the Lord’s feet. Then the Lord of the Raghus summoned all His comrades and exhorted them: “Clasp the feet of My Guru, the sage Vasiṣṭha, who is worthy of adoration to our whole race. It was by his grace that all the demons were slain in battle.” “(Turning to the sage) Listen, holy Sir: all these My comrades proved as so many barks in taking Me across the ocean of the battle. They staked their life in My cause: they are dearer to Me even than Bharata.” They were all enraptured to hear the Lord’s word; every moment that passed gave birth to some new joy. (1 - 5)

Then they bowed their heads at Kauśalyā’s feet, who rejoiced to give them her blessing, adding: “You are as dear to me as the Lord of the Raghus.” The sky was obscured with the showers of flowers as the Fountain of joy took His way to the palace. Throngs of men and women of the city mounted the attics to have a look at the Lord. (8 A-B)

All the people placed at their door vases of gold picturesquely decorated and equipped with necessary articles. Everyone prepared and set festoons, flags and buntings, all to make a glad show. All the streets were sprinkled with perfumes and scented water and a number of mystic squares were drawn and filled in with pearls found in the projections of an elephant’s forehead. Every kind of festive preparation was taken in hand; the city was en fete and a large number of kettledrums sounded all at once. Ladies scattered their offerings about the Lord wherever He went, and invoked blessing on Him with their hearts full of joy. Bevies of young women sang festal songs, while gold plates provided with lights were ready at hand, which they waved about the Lord, who is the Reliever of all agony and brought delight to Raghu’s race even as the sun delights a bed of lotuses. The splendour, the wealth and the good fortune of the city have been extolled by the Vedas, Śeṣa (the serpent-god) and Śāradā (the goddess of speech and learning). But they too were dazed to see this spectacle. Umā, (continues Lord Śiva,) how, then, can any mortal recount His virtues? (1 - 5)

The women, who were like water-lilies growing in the lake of Ayodhyā and had been withered by the sun in the form of separation from the Lord of the Raghus, blossomed again at the sight of Śrī Rāma, who resembled the full moon, the sun of separation having now set. Auspicious omens of every description occurred and kettle- drums sounded in the sky as the Lord proceeded to the palace after blessing the men and women of the city with His sight. (9 A-B)

Bhavānī, (continues Lord Śiva,) the Lord came to know that Kaikeyī was ashamed and went first to her palace. After reassuring and gratifying her much Śrī Hari (Śrī Rāma) then moved to His own palace. When the All-merciful entered the palace, every man and woman of the city felt gratified. The preceptor, Vasiṣṭha called the Brāhmaṇas and said to them, “The day and the hour, nay, all the other factors are favourable today. Therefore, all of you, Brāhmaṇas, be pleased to order that Śrī Rāmacandra may occupy the royal throne.” On hearing the agreeable words of the sage Vasiṣṭha all the Brāhmaṇas warmly welcomed them. Many of the Brāhmaṇas spoke in endearing terms, “Śrī Rāma’s coronation will bring delight to the whole world. Delay no more, O good sage, but apply the sacred mark on the forehead of His Majesty as a token of sovereignty.” (1 - 4)

The sage thereupon instructed Sumantra, who, as soon as he received the order, merrily proceeded and forthwith got ready a number of chariots and numerous horses and elephants. Despatching messengers here and there he sent for auspicious articles, then gladly returning to Vasiṣṭha, he bowed his head at his feet. (10 A-B)

[PAUSE 8 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]

The city of Ayodhyā was most tastefully decorated and the gods rained down a continuous shower of flowers. Śrī Rāma called His servants and said, “Go and first arrange a bath for my comrades.” The moment they heard the command the servants ran in all promptness and quickly bathed Sugrīva and the rest. The All-merciful Rāma next called Bharata and disentangled his matted hair with His own hands. The gracious and almighty Lord of the Raghus, who is so fond of His devotees, now bathed all His three brothers. The blessedness of Bharata and the Lord’s tenderness were both more than countless Śeṣas could sing. Then Śrī Rāma disentangled His own matted hair, and after obtaining the Guru’s permission bathed Himself. Having finished His ablutions, the Lord decked Himself with jewels; the beauty of His person put to shame hundreds of Cupids.

(In the gynaecium) the mothers-in-law immediately bathed Janaka’s Daughter with all tenderness and carefully attired her in heavenly robes with rich jewels for every part of Her body. On Śrī Rāma’s left side shone forth Ramā (Lakṣmī) Herself, a mine of beauty and goodness. The mothers were all delighted at the sight and accounted their life as fully rewarded. Listen, O king of the birds: (continues Kākabhuśuṇḍi) on that occasion Brahmā (the Creator), Lord Śiva and multitudes of sages came to see the Fountain of joy and so did all the gods, mounted on their aerial cars. (11 A - C)

The soul of the sage (Vasiṣṭha) was enraptured as he gazed upon the Lord; he sent at once for a heavenly throne, which was effulgent as the sun and defied all description. Bowing His head to the Brāhmaṇas, Śrī Rāma took His seat thereon. The whole host of sages was overjoyed as they looked upon the Lord of the Raghus along- with Janaka’s Daughter. Then the Brāhmaṇas recited the Vedic hymns, while in the heavens above the gods and sage shouted, “Victory! Victory!” The sage Vasiṣṭha first of all applied the sacred mark himself and then he directed all the other Brāhmaṇas to do likewise. The mothers were transported with joy at the sight of their son and waved lights above His head again and again. They bestowed a variety of gifts on the Brāhmaṇas and gave the beggars so much that they begged no more. Perceiving the lord of all the three spheres seated on the throne of Ayodhyā the gods sounded their kettledrums. (1 - 4)

A large number of kettledrums sounded in the heavens above; the Gandharvas and Kinnaras (the celestial musicians) sang and heavenly nymphs danced to the supreme delight of the gods and sages. Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna with Vibhīṣaṇa, Aṅgada, Hanumān and the rest shone forth beside the Lord each holding severally the royal umbrella, chowries, fan, bow, sword with shield and spear. With Lakṣmī (Sītā) by His side the Jewel of the solar race shone forth with the beauty of a myriad Cupids. His exquisite form, possessing the hue of a fresh rain-cloud, clad in yellow robes, enchanted the soul of gods. A diadem, armlets and other marvellous ornaments adorned the various parts of His body; He had lotus-like eyes and a broad chest and long arms. Blessed indeed are those men who behold such a form. (1-2)

O king of the birds, (continues Kākabhuśuṇḍi), the beauty of the sight, the uniqueness of the assembly and the delight of the occasion each defied description. Śāradā (the goddess of learning), Śeṣa (the thousand-headed serpent-god) and the Vedas ever describe them; while their sapor is known to the great Lord Śiva alone. Having severally hymned the Lord’s praises the gods returned each to his own abode. Then came the Vedas, in the disguise of bards, into the presence of Śrī Rāma. The omniscient and All-merciful Lord received them with great honour, though none else could penetrate into the mystery; and the bards began to recite His praises: - (12 A - C)

“Hail, Crest-Jewel of kings, incomparable is your beauty; though transcending Māyā and her attributes, you possess innumerable divine attributes. You killed by the might of Your arm fierce, mighty and wicked demons like the ten-headed Rāvaṇa. Appearing in human garb, you crushed the armies that constituted the Earth’s burden and ended her terrible woes. Hail, merciful Lord, Protector of the suppliant! We adore you with Your Spouse. Subject to Your relentless Māyā (deluding potency), O Hari, gods and demons, Nāgas and human beings, nay, all animate and inanimate beings wander for numberless days and nights in the path of metempsychosis impelled by Time, Karma (destiny) and the Guṇas (modes of Prakriti). Those, O Lord, whom You ever regarded with compassion have been rid of the threefold affliction. Protect us, Rāma, prompt as You are in putting an end to the toils of mundane existence; we adore You. Intoxicated with the pride of wisdom, they who respect not Devotion to You, which takes away the fear of transmigration, may climb up to a rank which even gods find it difficult to attain; yet, O Hari, we see them fall from it. On the other hand, they who have abandoned all other hopes and with unqualified faith choose to remain Your servants easily cross the ocean of transmigration by merely repeating Your name. It is for this reason, O Lord, that we particularly invoke You. O Mukuṇḍa (Bestower of Liberation), O Rāma, O Lord of Ramā (Lakṣmī), we ever adore Your lotus-feet, which are worthy of adoration to Lord Śiva and the unborn Brahmā, the touch of whose blessed dust redeemed Ahalyā (the wife of the sage Gautama), from whose nails flowed the heavenly stream (Gaṅgā) - which is reverenced even by the sages and sanctifies all the three spheres - and the soles of which, while bearing the marks of a flag, thunderbolt, goad and lotus, are further adorned by scars left by thorns that pricked them in course of Your wanderings in the forest. We further adore You as the tree of the universe, which, as the Vedas and the Āgamas (Tantras) declare, has its root in the Unmanifest (Brahma) and has existed from time without beginning; which has four coats of bark, six stems, twenty-five boughs, numberless leaves and abundant flowers; which bears two kinds of fruits - bitter and sweet, which has a solitary creeper clinging to it and which puts on ever fresh foliage and ever-new flowers. Let those who meditate on Brahma (the Absolute) as unborn, the one without a second, perceptible only through intuition and as beyond the ken of mind, preach and believe like that. We, for our part, O Lord, ever chant the glories of Your visible form. O All-merciful and All-effulgent Lord, O mine of noble virtues, this is the boon we ask of You: may we love Your feet, casting off all aberrations of thought, word and deed.” (1 - 6)

While everyone looked on, the Vedas uttered their grand prayer; and then they vanished out of sight and returned to Brahmā’s abode (Satyaloka or the seventh Paradise). Listen, O Garuḍa (son of Vinatā): then came Śambhu (Lord Śiva) into the presence of Śrī Rāma (the Hero of Raghu’s line) and with a choking voice and every hair on his body standing erect He thus made supplication: - (13 A-B)

“Hail to You, Rāma, Rāma’s (Sītā’s) Spouse, Reliever of the afflictions of worldly existence! Protect this servant, who is obsessed with the fear of transmigration. O King of Ayodhyā, Ruler of the gods, Lord of Lakṣmī, all-pervading Master! Having fled to You for refuge, I implore You: pray, extend Your protection to Me. By disposing of Rāvaṇa who possessed as many as ten heads and twenty arms. You rid the earth of many a severe scourge. The hosts of demons were a veritable swarm of moths that were reduced to ashes by the fierce glow of Your fire-like arrows. An exceedingly beautiful jewel of the terrestrial globe, You have armed Yourself with an excellent bow, arrows and quiver. You are a radiant sun as it were to disperse the thick darkness prevailing in the night of pride, gross ignorance and attachment. The hunter in the form of lust has laid low the human deer by piercing his heart with the shafts of evil desire: O Lord! pray, kill the hunter and thus save the life of these poor helpless creatures, lost as they are in the wilderness of sensuality, O Hari! People are stricken with a host of diseases and bereavements, which are surely the result of neglecting Your feet. Those men who cherish no love for your lotus-feet continue to drift in the fathomless ocean of mundane existence. They are ever most wretched, impure and unhappy, who have no devotion to Your lotus-feet. On the other hand, they who derive their sustenance from Your stories hold the saints and the eternal Lord (Yourself) as constantly dear to them. They are free from passion, greed, pride and arrogance; prosperity and adversity are alike to them. That is why sages give up forever all faith in Yoga (mental discipline) and gladly become Your servants. With a pure heart and under a solemn pledge they constantly and lovingly adore Your lotus-feet. Regarding honour and ignominy alike, all such saints move about happily on earth. O Hero of Raghu’s line, invincible and exceedingly staunch in battle, indwelling as a bee the lotus heart of sages, I take refuge in You. I repeat Your Name and bow to You, O Hari; You are a sovereign remedy for the disease of birth and death and an enemy of pride. I constantly greet You, Lakṣmī’s Spouse, supreme abode of goodness, amiability and compassion. O Delight of the Raghus, put an end to all pairs of contrary experiences (such as joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, attraction and repulsion, etc.); O Ruler of the earth, just cast a glance on this humble servant. (1 - 10)

“Again and again I ask only this boon of You - be pleased to grant it, O Lord of Lakṣmī: unceasing devotion to Your lotus-feet and constant communion with your devotees.” Having thus hymned Śrī Rāma’s praises, Umā’s Lord (Śiva) joyously returned to Kailāśa. The Lord then assigned the monkeys residences that were comfortable in every respect. (14 A-B)

Listen, O king of the birds, (continues Kākabhuśuṇḍi): this story purifies the heart and rids one of the threefold affliction and the fear of birth and death. By hearing the narrative of King Rāma’s blessed Coronation men acquire dispassion and discernment. Those men who hear or sing it with some interested motive attain happiness and prosperity of every kind; after enjoying in this world pleasures to which even gods can scarce attain they ascend to Śrī Rāma’s divine Abode at the end of their earthly career. If a liberated soul, a man of dispassion and a sensual person hear it, they severally obtain Devotion, final beatitude and ever-increasing prosperity. O king of the birds, (continues Kākabhuśuṇḍi,) the story of Śrī Rāma, that I have narrated according to my own lights, takes away the fear of birth and death and rids one of sorrow. It confirms one’s dispassion, discernment and devotion and is a splendid boat to take one across the river of ignorance. Every day there was some new rejoicing in Kosalapura (the city of Ayodhyā) people of all classes were happy. Everybody cherished an ever-growing affection for Śrī Rāma’s lotus-feet, which are adored even by Lord Śiva, Brahmā (the Unborn) and the sages. Mendicants were provided with clothes of various kinds; while the twice-born (Brāhmaṇas) received gifts of every description. (1 - 5)